A honeymoon should provide some much-needed relief after months of wedding planning – but in reality, planning an expensive honeymoon after an already expensive celebration can be a bit daunting. According to WeddingWire’s 2020 Wedding Report, which is based on data from more than 25,000 US couples who got married in 2019, couples spend nearly $28,000 (INR 23,06,105) on their ceremony and reception and an additional $5,000 (4,11,804 INR) in honeymoon destinations, on average. Written by Evie Carrick
So, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little hesitant to book that multi-country European tour of your dreams. But, you can still book an amazing and affordable honeymoon (and an international one, at the time) if you’re smart about where and when to go. Booking a honeymoon on Oahu, rather than on Maui or Kauai, can offer a Hawaiian honeymoon experience for a lower cost. And if you like Spain, but don’t want to pay Spain prices, the neighboring country of Portugal is less discoverable and less expensive. Plus, off-season travel at the destination means lower-priced accommodations (and fewer people), while Hopper flight tracking ensures tickets are purchased when prices are at their lowest.
Don’t worry, frugal lovebirds, there are plenty of luxury honeymoon destinations, even for couples on a budget.
Here are some amazing honeymoon destinations that are as affordable as they are
Belize
Honeymooners love Belize, a gorgeous slice of Central America that offers beach paradise with a side of tropical forests. Belize City, the country’s largest metropolitan area, is ideal for active couples. You can go kayaking or snorkeling and visit the nearby Mayan sites Xunantunich and Cahal Pech or the Jaguar Sanctuary.
Belize is also home to several all-inclusive resorts, which will save you money on food and drink. Overlooking the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, Xanadu Island Resort on Ambergris Caye offers a range of free activities, such as kayaking, bird watching, canoeing, and bike rentals. And if you want to ramp up your cash into a truly luxurious stay, you can even rent your own private island off the coast for as little as US$800 (INR 65,880).
Key Largo, Florida
If you are looking for a cozy place for your honeymoon, head to Key Largo. This long, slender piece of land at the top of the Florida Keys has plenty of beaches and water sports – from snorkeling to kayaking – but you’ll also want to take the 45-minute drive to Everglades National Park, where you can try your hand at spotting manatees and resident crocodiles in the garden.
Book your honeymoon adventure at Bakers Cay Key Largo Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, which stretches along picturesque Florida Bay, or check out the highly rated Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, which includes a spa, outdoor pool, and restaurant. Private beach area.
Bermuda
Flights from New York City take just over two hours, and upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the island’s iconic pink sand beaches and endless turquoise waters.
Stay at The Reefs Resort & Club, which has three restaurants and bars, two tennis courts, kayaks, and free snorkeling equipment. Elevate the resort’s romance package, which includes a four-night ocean view room, a welcome Rum Swizzle, three gourmet dinners (one on the beach), a 60-minute couples massage, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Arrival.
On the other side of the island, you’ll find Rosewood Bermuda, an estate with seven restaurants and lounges and an unparalleled location on the Castle Harbor coast. With so many free or affordable activities to do in Bermuda, like walking the Royal Naval Dockyard or visiting an unfinished church, couples don’t have to feel guilty feeding a little at their accommodations.
Jamaica
Jamaica is the land of good vibes, mountains, rainforests, and beautiful beaches – but honeymooners on a budget will also appreciate the affordable flights to the island and the lower cost of living. Save money by exploring the island on your own and hanging on the beach (which, let’s be honest, never gets old), so you can splurge on a property like GoldenEye Resort, where author Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels. . Today, the property is a honeymoon couples’ dream, with a lagoon, secluded beaches, standalone villas, bungalows, and beach bungalows.
The island is also home to plenty of all-inclusive resorts, where you can pay up front, then enjoy your honeymoon without worrying about a second round of drinks or ordering room service late at night. For an all-inclusive experience, check out Azul Beach Resort Negril or one of the seven adults-only sandals on the island.
Napa and Sonoma, California
There is no shortage of luxury in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys, but you can experience it on your own terms. Begin the celebration with a cruise of sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros Winery, a French chateau-inspired setting with beautiful formal gardens perfect for photo opportunities.
Stay at Carneros Resort & Spa, where you can book a luxury suite or hide from the world in a spacious cottage. With delicious on-site dining options and an extensive spa, you’ll never have to leave the complex. Another attraction not to be missed? Napa Valley Wine Train, where you can enjoy all the sights with lunch and wine. Compare different tour options before you go to get the best price.
Head to the center of Sonoma Village for an enticing shopping experience at the local boutiques, and check out a Spanish-style mission. Save a few bucks by bringing your own wine, cheese, and blanket for a romantic moment in the garden in the square, or have a fresh French meal on the rustic outdoor patio at The Girl And The Fig.
Mexico as a honeymoon destination
Mexico continues to attract honeymooners with its endless beaches, Mayan ruins, high quality of life, and low prices.
Head to Tulum, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, for a honeymoon that offers relaxation (hello, Caribbean waters!) and adventure—be sure to spend at least two days exploring the area’s Mayan ruins: Playa Ruinas in Tulum and Chichen Itza just two hours northwest. Stay at the Jashita Boutique Hotel, an oasis of white sand that asks you to relax on beachfront loungers with a cocktail in hand. Book one of our honeymoon suites overlooking the ocean and spend time at the rooftop bar and adults-only infinity pool.
Vietnam
An overall less expensive alternative to the popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Vietnam has a little something for every type of honeymoon. Do you like to walk? Visit the Valley of Love in Dalat or take in the stunning views of Muong Hoa Valley or Mount Fansipan. Looking for a honeymoon full of food and culture? Book your stay at the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi where you will find an oasis in the middle of a busy city.
Honeymooners looking for beaches, spa, and relaxation will want to head to Con Dao, a group of islands off the coast that offer an affordable honeymoon filled with white sand beaches and scenic trails. Check out Con Dao’s Six Senses Resort, which is also a protected marine and national park with plenty of seaside.
Honolulu, Hawaii
If Hawaii tops the honeymoon list but doesn’t seem feasible when it comes to cost, consider bustling Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. It’s a town right on the beach, providing access to the stunning (and great surfing) coastline of Waikiki Beach. You can get a board from Moku, located a block from the beach, for as little as $10 (INR 823) or hop on one of the city’s handy Biki bikes for touring the canals and coast.
As you can imagine, the city has hotels to suit different budgets. Honeymooners looking for direct beach access will love the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, while those looking for a modern, upscale hotel (barely off the beach) should check out ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach’. Upscale accommodations can be found at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach, whose rooms come with in-room kitchens that can help offset some of your honeymoon costs.
Costa Rica as a honeymoon destination
Costa Rica is known for its wildlife, rugged terrain, and rainforests, but the country also offers the perfect honeymoon beach vacation. Reserve your home, apartment or studio in the coastal towns of Playa Pelada or Playa Guyones (near Nosara) with Rent Nosara. Or check out the adults-only Makanda by The Sea, which has suites and villas with beach access and an on-site restaurant.
When you’re ready to explore beyond the beach, take a yoga class at Nosara, book a zip-lining adventure, or visit Manuel Antonio National Park near the Makanda Hotel.
Portugal
Portugal is often overlooked by honeymooners planning their holidays, but it has the warm weather, beaches, and culture that most couples look for. Plus, it’s less expensive than Spain, France, and many popular European destinations.
For an easy and accessible excursion, head to Lisbon, where you can spend your days exploring the city on foot (or by tram) looking for the city’s best pastel de nata, a Portuguese pancake with eggs. Stay at The One Palácio da Anunciada and book a romantic dinner at Belcanto, the first restaurant in Lisbon to win two Michelin stars. For an even more remote and off-the-grid experience that’s easily accessible by car from Lisbon, book a perfectly scenic “hobbit pod” at the coastal Slowlife Glamping Estate.
If you’ve budgeted for a second trip, head to the Azores off the coast to try your luck spotting whales and dolphins.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Across the US-Canada border and only 20 minutes from the bustle of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, is a quaint little town called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Dubbed “the most beautiful city in Canada”, it really lives up to the hype.
With a plethora of outdoor cafés and independent local shops located in colonial-style buildings, it’s the perfect place for a romantic picnic or a delicious cocktail. The city is also in the heart of Canadian wine country, where you can sip chilled wine and wine made from local produce, such as peaches.
Stay at the city’s historic Prince of Wales, a Victorian-style hotel with an award-winning restaurant, world-class spa, and a tea room where you can (and should) have tea daily. When you’re ready to leave the historic property, spend the afternoon tasting food at Peller Estates and having a romantic dinner for two among the grapes.
Guatemala
Flights to Guatemala tend to be quite affordable, and once you’re in Guatemala, the cost of living will ensure your wallet stays full of happiness. You can dine, enjoy activities and stay in luxury hotels for a fraction of what you would pay in other parts of the world. Regardless, the country of Guatemala is home to volcanoes, ancient Mayan sites, and lush rainforests, which offer plenty to see and do.
For a remote and romantic trip, book a stay at La Casa del Mundo on Lake Atitlan, a hotel built on the cliffs that can only be reached on foot or by boat and with stunning volcano views – all at an affordable price. From La Casa del Mundo, stroll around the lake to nearby villages, book a boat tour, or take a day trip to Chichicastenango’s bustling market to pick up a couple of treasures to bring home.
This story first appeared on travelandleertain.com
Featured image source: Matteo Colombo / Getty Images
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